Do I have to pay tax on my poker winnings in Monaco

No, provided you are not a French citizen. Monaco does not levy income tax on gambling winnings for either local residents or tourists.

Can locals play in the casino?

No. Monegasque citizens ( Monegasques ) are legally banned from casino gaming rooms and cannot participate in gambling within the principality.

What currency is the game played in?

The official currency is the Euro (€). Both casinos and poker tables operate in Euros.

Is online poker legal in Monaco?

The situation is a grey area. Although there is no widespread licensing system for external providers, foreign residents generally have access to international .com or .eu poker rooms. Always check if the specific poker room accepts players from Monaco .

Monaco Poker Guide: Live Games, EPT & Gambling Laws

JessyAuthor

Jessy is a technical editor and data specialist at Somuchpoker, leveraging a background in programming to manage our live event database. He is responsible for the rapid and accurate publication of all poker festival schedules. His work is critical in upholding SMP's commitment to being the most reliable and timely news source for the poker community.

Updated: 2025.12.06

Monaco, the jewel of the French Riviera, is famous not only for its luxury yachts and the Formula 1 Grand Prix. For poker players and gambling enthusiasts, this city-state is an earthly paradise where history meets high-stakes action. This guide provides a detailed overview of Monaco‘s gambling market, with a special focus on live and online poker regulations.

Historical Background and Gambling Culture

Ruled by the Grimaldi family, the principality has been a center for casinos since the mid-19th century. The opening of the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo saved the country from bankruptcy, and since then, Monaco‘s economy has been closely intertwined with gambling.

Unlike the flashy neon lights of Las Vegas , Monaco represents discreet elegance and exclusivity. Here, gambling is not just a pastime but a social event accompanied by strict etiquette and often a draconian dress code.

Taxation: Why Do Pros Move Here?

This is the most critical factor making Monaco a Mecca for poker players.

Personal Income Tax: There is no personal income tax (0%) in Monaco. This applies to winnings from gambling and poker as well.
Exception: French citizens who have relocated from France are subject to a specific bilateral tax treaty, so they cannot enjoy this exemption (they must pay French taxes).
Pro Status: While many European countries (e.g., Spain ) tax professional poker players heavily, in Monaco, the player keeps the entire amount of their winnings.

Online Poker in Monaco

Online regulation in Monaco is less mature than that of land-based casinos, but steps have been taken towards stricter control in recent years.

Online Legislative Environment

Monaco does not have an open licensing system for online operators like Malta or Gibraltar. The online gambling market is essentially a monopoly or strictly restricted.

Officially, the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) – which also operates the land-based casinos – holds exclusive rights to organize gambling.
Despite this, foreign residents living in Monaco (non-citizens) often play on major international online poker rooms (e.g., PokerStars, GGPoker ), provided those sites accept Monegasque IP addresses.

Player Perspective

For professional poker players, Monaco is attractive primarily for its tax-free winnings rather than online gaming per se. While technical access is often available to major sites, players must always check the specific Terms & Conditions regarding territorial restrictions. VPN usage may be strictly monitored.

Best Online Poker Sites in Monaco

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Live Poker in Monaco

The principality is one of the most important stops on the European poker circuit. Although the number of casinos is limited, the quality and the size of the stakes more than compensate players.

The Venues

The center of poker life is the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Casino Café de Paris. The most famous events are held in the Salle des Étoiles. It is important to note that a passport is required to enter the casinos, and there is usually an entrance fee (approx. 17-20 Euros), except for high rollers or loyalty card holders.

Tournaments and Cash Games

Monaco hosts the EPT (European Poker Tour) Grand Final, one of the most prestigious poker tournaments on the continent. During this time, the world’s best players gather in the principality.

Tournaments: Aside from the EPT , smaller local tournaments are rarely held; the focus is on major international series.
Cash Games: Cash games here are legendary. Blinds often start at €5/€10, but stakes in private rooms can be astronomical. The game is played in Euros.

Live Poker Legislation

Gambling regulation in Monaco is strict and built on an interesting paradox:

Monegasque Citizens: Ironically, Monegasque citizens (Monegasques) are forbidden from entering casino gaming rooms and engaging in gambling. This rule was established in the 19th century to protect locals from losing their wealth.
Foreign Residents and Tourists: For them, gambling is completely legal and open, provided they are over 18 years old.
Oversight: Games are supervised by the Commission des Jeux, ensuring fairness and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.